News Releases

November 16, 2011

E. coli updates to be on the Department of Health and Senior Services website

Since October 26, the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS) has lead a team of local, federal, and state public health experts in investigating the cause of the E. coli outbreak that hit the St. Louis region. The investigation involves laboratory analysis, environmental sampling and case interviews. This information is then combined to determine the possible cause(s) of the outbreak.

DHSS today added one new cases based on lab results from specimens submitted to the State Public Health Laboratory last week. The cases have the same E. coli fingerprint as that observed in the outbreak.

The following chart, which will now be located online and updated daily, reflects testing results to date:

Missouri Numbers Update - October 7 to November 16

Number of Missourians confirmed to have E.coli connected to the St. Louis investigation: 33

Number of food samples, connected to the St. Louis outbreak, tested to date: 55

Number of food samples confirmed to have E.coli: 0

Public health officials again urge consumers to wash all produce thoroughly with water before eating, cook meat thoroughly, and wash their hands after using the restroom. For additional food safety tips and more information on E. coli illness and investigation, visit www.health.mo.gov.